2008 Saab 9-5 MOT pass rate: 71.4% (2,601 tests)
Is the 2008 9-5 getting worse?
Pass rate of 2008-registered cars across recent test years:
| Test year | Pass rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 70.9% +5.5 vs same-age |
|
| 2024 | 70.9% +6.0 vs same-age |
|
| 2025 | 72.5% +7.4 vs same-age |
The raw rate normally falls as cars age. The “vs same-age” figure compares this cohort with all UK cars registered in the same year, so normal ageing is not mistaken for a bad model year.
What fails on a 2008 9-5
| # | System | Defects recorded | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 477 | 21.5% |
| 2 | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 456 | 20.5% |
| 3 | Suspension | 453 | 20.4% |
| 4 | Noise, emissions and leaks | 283 | 12.7% |
| 5 | Tyres | 249 | 11.2% |
| 6 | Body, chassis, structure | 138 | 6.2% |
All 9-5 years compared
| Registration year | Tests | Pass rate | Vs same-age | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 2,248 | 68.4% | +4.1 pts | 127,248 |
| 2005 | 2,757 | 68.7% | +4.2 pts | 126,617 |
| 2006 | 2,922 | 69.0% | +4.6 pts | 125,917 |
| 2007 | 3,026 | 71.0% | +5.9 pts | 122,588 |
| 2008 (this page) | 2,601 | 71.4% | +6.2 pts | 119,842 |
| 2009 | 1,787 | 73.0% | +6.6 pts | 113,540 |
| 2010 | 1,790 | 75.5% | +8.2 pts | 106,728 |
- Free MOT history checkThe exact car’s failures, advisories and mileage trail — sellers can’t edit it
- Topdon OBD2 scannersTopdon diagnostic scanners with full-system readouts
- XTOOL diagnostic toolsXTOOL code readers for petrol and diesel cars
- Autel UK testersAutel professional-grade diagnostic testers
FAQs
Is a 2008 Saab 9-5 reliable?
2008-registered examples passed 71.4% of their MOT tests (2,601 tests, 2023–2025), +6.2 points versus all UK cars registered in the same year. At roughly 18 years old with a median 119,842 miles, condition now varies car by car — always check the individual MOT history.
What mileage is too high for a 2008 9-5?
The median tested example shows 119,842 miles. Anything far beyond that isn't automatically bad — a motorway-mile car with consistent service records often beats a low-mileage school-run car — but price accordingly and scrutinise the mileage trail for gaps or drops.
Should I buy the petrol or diesel 2008 9-5?
In this cohort petrols pass 74.0% of tests against 68.6% for diesels. Mileage and use can explain part of that gap, so treat it as a reason to inspect DPF and emissions history, not a fuel-type verdict.
Source: DVSA Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023–2025 extracts (96 million Class 4 initial tests; retests excluded). Only vehicles old enough for a routine first MOT are included. Age-adjusted figures compare the model-year cohort with all vehicles of the same registration year tested in the same calendar year. Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.